SANTEE SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Transcription

1 SANTEE SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES Douglas E. Giles Educational Resource Center 9619 Cuyamaca Street Santee, California A. OPENING PROCEDURES 1. Call to Order and Welcome President El-Hajj called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and read the District Mission Statement. Members present: Dianne ElHajj, President Dustin Burns, Vice President Barbara Ryan, Clerk Allen Carlisle, Member Dan Bartholomew, Member Administration present: Dr. Lisbeth Johnson, Superintendent and Secretary to the Board Dr. Patrick Shaw, Incoming Superintendent Karl Christensen, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services Emily Andrade, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services Minnie Malin, Director, Human Resources Linda Vail, Executive Assistant and Recording Secretary 2. President El-Hajj invited Mr. Jim Rosa, a 5 th grade teacher at Sycamore Canyon School, to lead the members, staff and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. President El-Hajj introduced honored guests in the audience: County Superintendent, Dr. Randy Ward; Mayor Randy Voepel; Rorick Luepton, Field Representative from Assembly member Joel Anderson s office; and Ellen Malin, Field Representative from Senator Dennis Hollingsworth office. Mrs. El-Hajj also introduced Dr. Patrick Shaw, incoming Superintendent. 3. Approval of Agenda It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda. B. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS 1. Superintendent s Report 1.1. Developer Fees Collection Report 1.2. Use of Facilities Report 1.3. Enrollment Report 1.4. Schedule of Upcoming Events 1.5. Sixth Annual Santee School District Foundation and Santee Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Dr. Johnson reported this would be her last regular Board meeting as Superintendent. Dr. Johnson shared that 11 years ago, after going through the interviews for Assistant Superintendent, she had second thoughts and almost did not come to Santee. Becoming the Assistant Superintendent proved to be her dream job: developing curriculum, visiting classrooms, and supporting and working with teachers. Dr. Johnson decided to apply for the Superintendent position when it became vacant, even though the District was going through declining enrollment. The Board members have been Dr. Johnson s greatest supporters in both her professional career and in her personal life. This has been the best job she has had in her life. Each Board member has a special quality from which she has learned and Dr. Johnson will remember their kindness, support, coaching, wisdom, problem solving, and collaboration to make this the best District ever. Emily Andrade reported on the upcoming Chamber/Foundation Golf Classic to be held on June 24, 2009 at Carlton Oaks Country Club. The awards dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. The funds raised at this event are used to support technology in classrooms for students. 2. Santee School District Board of Education s Proposal to Modify Articles of the Current Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Santee School District and Santee Teachers Association 3. Spotlight on Education: County Awards Patricia Noujaim and Debbie Towne: Biliteracy Awards Terry Johnson: Greater San Diego Reading Association Award

2 Page 2 Emily Andrade introduced three District teachers who have recently received awards: Terry Johnson, Language Arts Specialist at Rio Seco, received the Literacy Award from the Greater San Diego Reading Association. Patricia Noujaim, Curriculum Resource Teacher and Debbie Towne, Language Arts Specialist at Pepper Drive, were honored at the San Diego County Biliteracy Awards presentation on May 28, 2009 for their contributions and commitment to English learner students and families. President El-Hajj presented each teacher with a certificate of recognition. 4. Classroom of the Future Foundation Presentation Dr. Johnson introduced Mr. Tom Dillon and Mr. Richard Sherman from the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF). Dr. Johnson shared that throughout the year administration has been working with the CFF and in June and next year will be training teachers in Project-Based Learning. Mr. Dillon said Dr. Johnson has shared about Santee School District with the committee and has laid the basis for sustainable improvement that will carry on after she leaves. The Foundation is interested in project-based learning and professional development, where he believes Santee is already the best in San Diego. The Foundation wishes to assist Santee to continue to succeed and become a model for other districts to replicate. Mr. Dillon said it is a rare district that encourages and rewards innovation, and that is what the Foundation is all about. Mr. Dillon and Mr. Sherman presented Dr. Johnson with a check for $15,000 for teacher training provided by the Buck Institute of Education (BIE) during this summer. President El-Hajj said BIE is going to be a wonderful workshop and the continuing education they will be receiving will be great. She thanked the Foundation for recognizing the tremendous effort of teachers and administrators and the District will continue the legacy left by Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson shared that Sempra Energy provided a large part of this donation and wished to recognize their support. 5. Spotlight: Dr. Lis Johnson, Retiring Superintendent President El-Hajj introduced San Diego County Superintendent Dr. Randy Ward. Dr. Ward presented Dr. Lis Johnson with a proclamation honoring her extraordinary service to children and families. President El-Hajj introduced Mayor Randy Voepel. Mayor Voepel presented a proclamation from the City of Santee proclaiming June 30, 2009 as Dr. Lis Johnson Day in the City of Santee. He thanked Dr. Johnson for making a difference in the lives of Santee youth. He presented Dr. Johnson with a box of chocolates and a dozen white roses, representing her unselfish purity of service to the citizens of Santee. Ellen Malin, from Senator Hollingsworth s office, and Rorick Luepton, from Assemblyman Anderson s office, presented Dr. Johnson with a proclamation from Senator Hollingsworth and Assemblyman Anderson for 34 years of exceptional service in education and her six years making Santee one of the best running school districts in San Diego County. President El-Hajj shared how invaluable Dr. Johnson has been over the past nine years. The Board was in shock when Dr. Johnson said she would be retiring. President El-Hajj has always been impressed with her commitment to education and to children. A slide show of photos taken during Dr. Johnson s superintendency was presented. Member Burns remembered hiring Dr. Johnson and said it has been a phenomenal ride over the past years. She has been an integral part of his family and is a great lady. Member Bartholomew said he first met Dr. Johnson as a parent, frequently communicating with her. Dr. Johnson is very genuine and does everything in a great way. He told Dr. Johnson to take some time to spend with her family and enjoy retirement. Dr. Johnson has been a great mentor, a wise council, and is greatly respected. Member Carlisle said he first met Dr. Johnson through Rotary. He has been continually impressed by Dr. Johnson s amazing ability to rally the troops and gain the respect and admiration of her staff. Staff members go where she leads them. He has great respect for Dr. Johnson and he and his family wish her the very best in retirement Member Ryan thanked Dr. Johnson, and like an energizer bunny, for never tiring from doing what she believed is the best for children and families in Santee. She thanked Dr. Johnson for putting Santee School District on the map in student performance, technology, modernization, and all of the other challenges. Dr. Johnson asked the Board to allow her to lead the District to a higher lever and she has not disappointed them. Member Ryan thanked Dr. Johnson for her leadership and for all she has done.

3 Page 3 President El-Hajj quoted Dr. Johnson from her State of the District address last September, It is choice not chance that determines your destiny. and said she was glad Dr. Johnson made us her choice. The Board presented Dr. Johnson with a solar powered Mova Globe. Dr. Johnson said the Santee Board was a fabulous Board to work with. President El-Hajj adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. for a short reception honoring Dr. Johnson. President El-Hajj reconvened the meeting at 8:10 p.m. C. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION President El-Hajj invited members of the audience to address the Board about any item not on the agenda. There were no public comments. D. PUBLIC HEARINGS Santee School District Budget President El-Hajj opened the public hearing on the Santee District Budget. There were no comments. President El-Hajj closed the public hearing. 2. Santee School District Board of Education s Proposal to Modify Articles of the Current Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Santee School District and Santee Teachers Association President El-Hajj opened the public hearing on the Santee School District Board of Education s Proposal to Modify Articles of the Current Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Santee School District and Santee Teachers Association. There were no comments. President El-Hajj closed the public hearing. E. CONSENT ITEMS Items listed under Consent are considered to be routine and are all acted on by the Board with one single motion. President El-Hajj invited comments from the public on any item listed under Consent. There were no comments Approval of Minutes 2.1. Approval/Ratification of Travel Requests 2.2. Approval/Ratification of Expenditure Warrants 2.3. Approval/Ratification of Purchase Orders 2.4. Acceptance of Donations 2.5. (Pulled for separate consideration.) 2.6. Approval of Agreements for Student Transportation Services 2.7. Adoption of Resolution Designating Authorized Agents to Execute OPSC Documents 3.1. Ratification of Hazardous Waste Disposal of Science Chemicals from Prospect Avenue School 3.2. Approval of Western Environmental Hazmat Reporting per ADHERA Regulations 4.1. (Pulled for separate consideration.) 4.2. Approval of Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) Agreement with Orange County Department of Education 4.3. Approval of Annual Evaluation of the Alternative Education School 4.4. Approval of the Consolidated Application, Part I, for the School Year 4.5. (Pulled for separate consideration.) 5.1. Personnel, Regular 5.2. Approval of New Job Description for Instructional Media Technician 5.3. Approval of Reclassification of Out-of-School Time Program Accounting Assistant II 5.4. (Pulled for separate consideration.) It was moved and seconded to approve Consent Items. Motion: Carlisle Second: Bartholomew Vote: Approval/Ratification of Annual Agreements for (Pulled by Member Burns for separate consideration.) Members Burns and Ryan said they would abstain from the vote of the annual agreements with the County Office of Education and Rady Children s Hospital because they are employed by those vendors. Member Burns moved to approve the remaining annual agreements. Motion: Burns Second: Ryan Vote: 5-0 Member Bartholomew moved to approve the annual agreements with the County Office of Education and Rady Children s Hospital.

4 Page 4 Motion: Bartholomew Second: Carlisle Vote: 3-0 (Burns, Ryan, abstain) 4.1. Approval of Agreement for Mandated Student Health Screenings with Rady Children s Hospital (Pulled by Member Ryan for separate consideration.) Member Ryan said she would abstain from this item because the agreement is with her employer. Motion: Burns Second: Carlisle Vote: 4-0 ( Ryan, abstain) 4.5. Approval to Implement Too Good for Drugs as the District Fourth and Fifth Grade Drug Prevention Program (Pulled by Member Burns for separate consideration.) Member Burns would like communication about this program sent to the City of Santee. This was a topic of discussion at the City/Board Committee meeting held on June 9, Motion: Carlisle Second: Bartholomew Vote: Adoption of Resolution No to Layoff an Identified Classified Position (Pulled by Member Burns for separate consideration.) Member Burns said he would not be supporting this layoff. He has commented on this in previous meetings and does not agree with this action. Motion: Ryan Second: Bartholomew Vote: 4-1 (Burns, no) F. DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION ITEMS President El-Hajj invited comments from the public on any item listed under Discussion and/or Action. President El-Hajj asked that the ACI report be heard first under Discussion and Action so the presenting parent would not have to wait until late in the meeting. Board members agreed Advisory Council for Instruction (ACI): Report for and Goals for Assistant Superintendent Emily Andrade and parent representative Mr. Jorge Marino, shared the achievement of the Advisory Council on Instruction (ACI) toward the goals this year. They reported the committee was developed to have a membership with a broad section of the parent community. During the school year, the committee: Distributed parent surveys to school sites, Provided the Board a new parent involvement policy, which was adopted on May 5, 2009, Updated the LEA plan (This goal will continue into ), Monitored student achievement toward goals by reviewing student assessment data, and Provided a recommendation to the Board on the math adoption. The committee was unable to address the goal to explore programs and opportunities to support and meet the needs of all learners and will resume work toward this goal in The goals established by the committee for next year included: Continue to monitor student achievement, Complete revisions to the LEA plan, and Continue to explore programs and opportunities to better support and meet the needs of all learners. Member Ryan said it was a pleasure to be a part of the ACI as the Board representative and thanked the members for their service on the committee Safety Committee Report and Recommendations Karl Christensen said the Safety Committee has been meeting regularly this year and presented the recommendation of the committee. The committee recommends providing solar lights in the parking lot at Pepper Drive School at a cost of $17,000 to $22,000. Due to budget constraints at this time, the Committee and Administration recommend that this be consolidated into part of the solar project Monthly Financial Report Assistant Superintendent Karl Christensen shared the new format of the monthly financial report. The new report presents the general fund cash report and a report combining the general fund with fund 17. Mr. Christensen shared the fund 17 balance with the general fund shows a 6.2% reserve. Member Ryan said she understood $759,000 was in the general fund to be repaid to fund 17 and asked if it was supposed to be from the $1.4M additional reserve. Mr. Christensen said he believes it may have come from fund 17. He said it is important to note that in the adopted budget, the reserve is helping the District get through the cash crisis to carry the District through the school year.

5 Page 5 President El-Hajj asked if there are restrictions on using fund 17 dollars. Mr. Christensen said using fund 17 is at the discretion of the Board. Member Burns stated fund 17 was originally established for reserves for uncertainty of times. It was set aside for times such as now. Member Ryan moved to approve the Monthly Financial Report as presented Budget Advisory Committee Report and Recommendations Karl Christenson reported the BAC met last week to finalize recommendations to the Board. Jorge Moreno and Mike Mitchell, community members, shared the recommendations from the BAC, which included savings from: Phones/cell phones-switch to radios in Transportation ($30,000) Software maintenance ($70,000) Shift of Facilities Director costs out of general fund ($150,000) Eliminate summer school, except special education as required ($65,000) Paperless communication environment with opt out options ($40,000) Department budget reductions ($45,000) SDG&E savings by no summer use of campuses ($20,000) Reevaluation of office supply contracts to maximize site dollars ($85,000) Implementation of FCMAT recommendation of two student start times ($28,000) Solar savings ($500,000-soft costs). The BAC requested the Board reconsider the budget augmentations totaling $175,000. Other items discussed at the BAC include: SDG&E savings per school Renegotiating with vendors Office supply contracts Solar savings Campus aides Dr. Johnson said at the last meeting it was decided that until it was discussed with principals next year any recommendation about campus aides would be an item for future discussion. President El-Hajj thanked the BAC members for their service and asked if they would continue on the committee to work to pursue additional savings. Member Burns said this is a tough committee especially when reductions are needed. Emily Andrade shared information on the budget augmentations that were mentioned. The Reading Program was reduced from $60,000 to $15,000 per year and is imperative to support struggling students at all school sites. The AVID schools could continue their AVID program without additional allocations using their carryover. The swim program s only cost is $10,000 in transportation fees. The cost for students is currently $48 per student and the YMCA has provided financial aid for approximately 19% of our third graders. This program is valuable for student safety and the Board may wish to consider raising the student fee to $55 to cover one-half of the transportation costs. The Board has recently approved the use of canine detection and many districts report that the cost is more than made up in the reduction in suspensions and expulsions. The Spanish program provides an accelerated tract for foreign language in high school and more than 130 students have expressed interest for next year. The Board may wish to consider requesting parents pay a fee of $500 per student, which is $2.78 per class. If parents paid, this valuable program could still be provided to students at no cost to the District. Member Ryan said it is always valuable to have budgets reviewed from both the fiscal and from the educational perspective. In the past, ACI has looked at the BAC recommendations from the parent perspective because some of the recommendations directly affect students and the curriculum. Any recommendations involving curriculum should be reviewed through the ACI. The Board accepted the BAC committee report Suspension of OPEB Funding Plan Karl Christensen reported this item is to take formal action to suspend funding of the GASB 45 OPEB liability until fiscal conditions improve.

6 Page 6 In May the Board set aside $500,000 in fund 17 and an additional $1M per year for the next 23 years. It is greater than the pay-as-you-go amount. On June 2 nd, the Board took action to suspend these payments and this item is the formal approval to suspend the payments. President El-Hajj said the fiscal impact amount and the annual payment amount did not seem to agree. Mr. Christensen said he did not have the annual payments readily accessible but the payments change each year. President El-Hajj asked how many districts in the county are suspending this funding, if there is a legal obligation to complete a plan, and if suspending the funding will violate any law. Mr. Christensen said that GASB 45 requires only recognition of the liability, not funding the liability and suspending the funding is not in violation. Dr. Johnson said in discussion with other superintendents, about one-half of the districts in the county are not funding their plans. Districts were only required to have a plan and because of the fiscal times, we will be revising our plan. Member Burns suggested bringing back this item back for Board consideration after Mr. Christensen has had the opportunity to review the annual payments and project the fiscal impact over several years. The other Board members agreed and it will return with additional information Adoption of Santee School District Budget Karl Christensen thanked Bill Clark for assisting to put together this budget. The budget will need to return with some revisions when numbers are substantiated. The budget reductions put in place by the Board up to June 2 nd and special education stimulus money are included in the budget. Special additional Title I funding and stimulus dollars for categorical reductions are not included. These funds will help with cash flow although there will be restrictions on their spending. Mr. Christensen reported the TRANS has been sold and we will be receiving $2.8M. The interest rate we received was 1% which was a little higher than anticipated. A cash flow chart with monthly balances was presented and shows positive balances but with a chance that additional deferrals may be realized. May and June of 2010 are the critical months for cash flow and may need to use the fund 17 and joint use money. Mr. Christensen reported some of the excerpts from the budget documents presented. His major concern is the general fund. The multi-year projection must show we are able to meet our financial obligation for the current year and the next 2 years. In it shows a negative of $1.9M because of the not receiving stimulus money and transferring some of the expenditures back into the general fund. There is also not enough to cover the reserves so we would need to use fund 17 to cover that. There is a deficit again in and there is not enough in fund 17 or the general fund to cover the deficit. He reminded the Board this is a projection not a forecast and is based on the assumptions we know at this time. Administration recommends the Board continue to consider budget reductions. Member Ryan asked about the reserve and said administration was asked to set up fund 17 for the 3% reserve required by the State and to not touch it. She believes this has been reversed and she would like to keep the reserve separate and not spend it. Member Bartholomew asked if the 3% reserve had to reside in the general fund. Mr. Christensen said it usually is in the general fund but is not required to be there. Member Ryan believes it is important to keep the required reserve in a separate fund. Member Ryan asked if it would give the Board time to fix the deficit if reductions were not made in but in or if the Board provided a plan for reductions. Mr. Christensen said the greater issue is the cash flow and he is concerned about not having any flexibility to respond to possible deferrals if reductions are not made for Member Burns asked if this budget with a plan for reductions would give the District a positive certification from the County. Mr. Christensen said he is uncertain how the County will react because so many districts are facing these kinds of deficits for future years. Member Ryan believes that although apportionments will be deferred, the money will come. Member Burns moved to adopt the Santee School District Final Budget as presented including Board assignment of available unrestricted funds. Motion: Burns Second: Carlisle Vote: 5-0 Member Bartholomew asked how the specific budget augmentation items ended up on the BAC list. Dr. Johnson said as people are looking at reductions or sharing in the reductions, they are looking at other areas where money is being spent. Member Bartholomew said those were ongoing programs.

7 Page Presentation and Adoption of Supplemental Resolution # Relating to Issuance of General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes Issued Pursuant to Proposition R (November 2006 Election) Mr. Christensen said this item brings revisions to the previous resolution with a changed structure of the BAN to allow a non credit enhanced BAN to cover Phase 1 and some Phase 2 costs. Ben Dolinka has investigated getting greater dollars, as requested by the Board, and may be able to issue a BAN for nearer $11.5M without a credit enhancement. This is a one-year BAN with the possibility of rolling over at end of the year. Later, when the financial outlook is brighter, a second issuance for $18.9M with credit enchantments could be issued and could pay off this BAN. The required designation is that if the District cannot get the BAN to roll over after 12 months and cannot issue GO bonds, the District would set aside any State facility funds received to pay the BAN off. The Dolinka group is fairly positive they can issue this BAN for the $11.5M with a covenant to hold State funds until the maturity date, in the event the District cannot roll over the BAN or issue a new BAN. This will keep borrowing costs as low as possible. Member Burns asked about the issuance costs. Mr. Christensen said they seem a little high but there are several layers and the amount goes up as the loan increases. Part of the issuance cost is getting the rating, at a fee of about $16,000. If the loan was unrated the interest would be greater. The issuance costs are offset by the reduction in borrowing costs, which could be a 1/2 to 1 percent decrease. President El-Hajj asked the difference between the counsels. Rob Anslow, from Bowie Arneson, shared they are the bond counsel and provide the legal documents and there is also the disclosure counsel which prepares the disclosure and offering documents. These services are normal and usual for these types of bond issuance services. President El-Hajj asked if the fees would decrease if another Ban was issued. Mr. Anslow said the bond counsel fee and the disclosure counsel fee would go up slightly but the underwriting fee would decrease. The transaction has been structured for two alternatives and only one transaction would occur. Next June the District could combine the additional loan and would not issue an additional BAN transaction. Member Ryan moved to adopt Resolution # to move forward with the issuance and sale of general obligation bond anticipation notes in order to finance identified school facilities projects, authorizing execution of documents and taking related actions Approval of SDG&E Savings By Design Energy Incentive at Prospect Avenue School Mr. Christensen said this item presents an opportunity to seek additional funding. Member Burns moved to authorize the acceptance of design incentives from SDG&E and use of the moneys in the continuation of CIP projects to meet the long range energy savings goals of the District Report on Water Fixture Unit Assessment Mr. Christensen reported the District is working to reduce the assessment from Padre Dam by showing we are being good stewards and saving water. Christina Becker said she is trying to provide efficiencies with water usage. With the closure of Santee School, waterless urinals, and added CIP, there are 89 less fixture units in usage. The District has also developed a plan to split irrigation to get as much into the Cal Sense system on all new fields and additions and the District will try to get all systems on the irrigation control system. She also presented some drought tolerant landscaping possibilities for our modernized schools George Mercer would like provide a drought tolerant landscape project, funded by Lowes, as a demonstration. Dr. Johnson reported administration is meeting with Padre Dam tomorrow. The waterless urinals save a lot of water and most of the sinks in the assessment are in science classrooms and will not be used routinely. It is important to show Padre Dam that we are saving water. Member Carlisle asked if there is a plan to put aside some money to install split irrigation at 1 or 2 schools per year to help. Dr. Johnson said they hope to do all schools at a total cost of $450,000. The Board appreciated the assessment and believes it will show Padre Dam that the District is serious about saving water. Member Carlisle said the split irrigation would provide a water cost savings. Christina Becker said costs can also be driven down by providing irrigation meters. Member Carlisle said it would be good to notify Padre Dam what the plan is and ask if they will adjust the District s allocation based on the plan. No action was taken Advisory Council for Instruction (ACI): Report for and Goals for This item was moved to the beginning of Discussion and/or Action Items. G. BOARD POLICIES AND BYLAYS 1.1. Second Reading: New Board Policy : Search and Seizure

8 Page 8 New Board Policy Search and Seizure was presented to the Board for a second reading and adoption. Member Ryan moved to adopt new Board Policy H. BOARD COMMUNICATION President El-Hajj attended Hill Creek s promotion and shared how the special needs children presented awards to their older student buddies. President El-Hajj reminded Board members of a Board Budget Workshop on June 22, beginning at 7:00 p.m. I. CLOSED SESSION President El-Hajj announced that the Board would meet in closed session for: 1. Public Employment Matters (Govt. Code 54957) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release 2. Conference with Labor Negotiator (Govt. Code ) Agency Negotiator: Minnie Malin, Director, Human Resources Employee Organizations: Santee Teachers Association California School Employees Association Purpose: Negotiations 3. Conference with Legal Counsel (Govt. Code subdivision (b) Pending Litigation (One case.) Legal Representation: Nowell A. Lantz, Attorney at Law The Board entered closed session at 10:12 p.m. J. RECONVENE TO PUBLIC SESSION The Board reconvened to public session at 11:56 p.m. No action was reported. K. ADJOURNMENT The regular meeting adjourned at 11:56 p.m. Barbara Ryan, Clerk Dr. Patrick Shaw, Secretary